… And the Church Actually Changed: Uncommon Wisdom for Pastors in an Age of Doubt, Division, and Decline

… And the Church Actually Changed: Uncommon Wisdom for Pastors in an Age of Doubt, Division, and Decline

The mainline church is in a drastic decline, and that decline is hitting clergy and churches on all sides of the theological debates. Pastors are struggling, and the ever-changing trends of ministry don't seem to be staunching the decline. . . . And the Church Actually Changed: Uncommon Wisdom for Pastors in an Age of Doubt, Division, and Decline arises out of N. Graham Standish's work as a spiritual director and coach to clergy of all denominations and traditions, and as the pastor of a healthy, growing, and somewhat alternative church for more than twenty-two years. He has helped pastors become healthier and more effective as they carry out the ministry to which they are uniquely called.

. . . And the Church Actually Changed addresses issues brought up by clergy themselves in his coaching work with them. Using an integrative approach to ministry, Standish draws on insights from counseling, spiritual direction, organizational development, and other fields. The book is written in the form of dialogues between a clergy coach and various clergy clients who are struggling in their ministry. Each chapter addresses a significant clergy leadership issue, yet the dialogue allows coach and pastor to deal with issues pragmatically by exploring both the big picture and the details of leading a healthy church.

Preorder

$18.99

Available September 1, 2020

PublisherFortress Press

ISBN9781506461946

Age/Grade RangeAdult

FormatPaperback

Dimensions6 x 9

Pages175

Publication DateSeptember 1, 2020

Endorsements

"And the Church Actually Changed may be the most practical, insight-packed, easy-to-read, realistic, and hope-inspiring church leadership book ever written. Graham Standish is the ideal person to write this book; he combines the experience of a pastor with the sensitivity of a counselor and the insight of a widely-read scholar. Enthusiastically recommended!"
—Brian D. McLaren, author/speaker/activist

"Graham Standish offers pastors hope that they can lead change, humor that chides us out of our sullen stubbornness, and wisdom for navigating some of the most difficult terrain of pastoral leadership. This is a fun and insightful book that will inspire as it instructs."
—Tod Bolsinger, Vice President and Chief of Leadership Formation, Fuller Seminary

Sunday, June 7 — The Holy Trinity 1st Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 1:1--2:4a

Psalm 8

2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Matthew 28:16-20

Though the word trinity is not found in the scriptures, today’s second reading includes the apostolic greeting that begins the liturgy: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. In the gospel Jesus sends his disciples forth to baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. More than a doctrine, the Trinity expresses the heart of our faith: we have experienced the God of creation made known in Jesus Christ and with us always through the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in word and sacrament, as we profess the creed, and as we are sent into the world to bear witness to our faith.

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